American Heartland Theatre to Close Permanently at End of 2013 Season

The American Heartland Theatre announced today that it will permanently close at the end of its current season. This 26th and final season is scheduled to conclude on August 25, 2013.

"American Heartland Theatre has been a beloved part of Crown Center for more than 26 years and we're obviously very sad that it will close," said Lilli Zarda, AHT's longtime executive director. "But we're also looking forward to celebrating the theatre's legacy through the remainder of this season."

AHT's current production, "Life Could Be A Dream," continues until April 21. It is followed by "Miss Abigail's Guide to Dating, Mating and Marriage," which runs from May 10 to June 23. The final show, "The Bikinis - A New Musical Beach Party," is set for July 12 to August 25.

"AHT's founder, Jim Assad, believed live theatre should be a love affair between the theatre and the audience," says Zarda. "We think this final trio of shows is a wonderful way to conclude what's been a remarkable love affair with Kansas City audiences."

American Heartland Theatre opened April 1, 1987 on Level 3 of the Crown Center Shops. (Before that time, the space was known Crown Center's Multimedia Forum.) Its first show was "We Won't Pay! We Won't Pay!" Since then, more than 160 productions have been performed on the AHT stage.

"The AHT has entertained more than two million people over its 25+ year history, thanks to the amazing work of so many actors and staff members," said Rick Brown, Crown Center's Manager of Marketing Programs. "We look forward to celebrating AHT's great legacy throughout the remainder of this final season."